Morning y'all,It's another dreary day up top. The high yesterday reached a toasty 51 degrees. The low was down to 42 degrees. It was 42 degrees and raining at 7am observation. The mountain received 1.57 inches of precipitation (should've been more than FOOTANDAHALF!!! of snow) and it looks like it will continue for much of the day. The trails are sure to be waterlogged. If you intend to summit, be sure to bring extra layers. Oh, and a headlamp. It's been getting dark around 5:30. If you're not at the summit by 3pm, please turn around. The lodge is closed. There is no substitute for good judgement.Much thanks to my trail angels from the Tri-cities, as well as my friends Dick & Ann Ketelle! Your gifts are much appreciated!!!

I can almost feel the coolness and moisture in the air from this morning's photo !

Susan b

12/22/2013 12:47:08 am

Good morning! Beautiful pic as always! Doug - I meant to reply back to your comment a couple of days ago. Seems like I wasn't the only one feeling that way.
Hiking - always want to help out others as some don't realize what they are up against..
Be safe hiking! Blessings.

Thanks Susan B. When I say something like that, it's straight from my heart and with all sincerity I fully mean what I say about helping others. It actually sort of saddens me when people don't take me up on my generosity, etc. I created my own website not only for exchanging comments with others but as much so to share with people of a like mind all my years of experience, and particularly my passion for backpacking, hiking, and tent camping, and especially within the Great Smoky Mountains ! After discovering the initial start-up costs of my little "hiking guide service" company (Park permit and insurance), I decided to keep it and develop it as a simple blog site {similar to this one} for the the time being as I was having second thoughts about taking people hiking for a fee, etc. Besides, my bad knee has slowed me down a wee bit, but I'm not out in the least ! I just acquired a new laptop along with a second digital camera [Nikon AW110 !!] rather than carry my D70 which is somewhat bulkier. So, right now I am immersed totally in learning a completely new operating system (Windows 8) and I have to admit I am feeling like a total idiot at times, but I will persist ! Now, one of the things that always surprises me here on this site are the questions some folks have about hiking, the lodge, and so forth. I understand their concerns and always want to offer the best of my own ideas in order to help these nice folks. Yes, many do not realize the dangers of even a simple day hike. This site is great for making people aware of weather conditions on the mountain and also other advice, always pertinent and useful, IF people follow it, etc. So, I wish the best to all of those hikers lucky enough to be out there, even as I write this ! G'day

Steve D

12/22/2013 03:27:13 am

Doug-Just wanted to agree with Susan B and you-I believe that is a big part of the "Being a Good Neighbor" that exists on the trails of these beautiful mountains. Several people including JP gave me great and sound advice for which I was so grateful, and certainly made all of my winter hiking safer and more enjoyable. Pretty much everyone you meet on the trails are tickled to be out there, though many are unprepared, but those of us who have learned a lot can just keep "Passing it ON!" and it will benefit many I am sure. You may never know how you have impacted someone thru just the smallest piece of advice or kindness that you give to them. Have a wonderful day everyone!

Debi

12/22/2013 12:56:40 am

For it being so rainy up top, you sure do have a beautiful picture up this morn.

tomk in SC

12/22/2013 02:11:22 am

. . .whatever colors you have in your mind
I'll show them to you and make them shine. . .
Bob Dylan

tomk in SC

12/22/2013 02:13:35 am

. . .oops
I'll show them to you and you'll see them shine

Kent

12/22/2013 03:46:11 am

That picture is capable of stirring all manner of emotions from utter desolation to wild, ecstatic jubilation.

So very said, Kent, and in a short sentence with just the right amount of words ! With my tendency for lengthiness, I am truly impressed and touched !
Steve D: Also well stated my friend !
Debi: I think you might agree with me in saying that, for most of us who come here. there could never be an "ugly" photo ! G'day !

I agree, Kent. It is a superb photo. It stirs those indefinable moods that run below the surface.

Holtknoblady

12/22/2013 08:49:41 am

So well spoken, Kent and Jenny B. I am so moved by JP's pictures and musings; the stirrings inside and the thoughts that follow leave me wishing I could as well express my emotions. Thankfully there are those among us who have that gift and put into words so eloquently what I desire to say. Thanks to JP and my fellow bloggers for filling my soul.

Hi J.P. from your Hoosier Hikers friends. Glad to see that you are still up in the mountains where I know you are happiest. Fun to find your blog from a Facebook friend.

The Real JP

12/22/2013 11:30:53 pm

Bonnie!

It's so good to hear from you! I hope all is well back in Indiana! I am really hoping to get back there for Tecumseh next year! Let me know if you visit the Smokies!

Best,
JP

Ron Adams

12/23/2013 03:42:28 am

Hidy Ho,JP. Good advice for those wayward hikers who are still trying to make the summit at 3 pm. Last year coming down the Trillium I ran into 3 kids around 20 years old, give or take, and they proudly told me they were going to hike to the Lodge. I said, do you have reservations? They said no, they were going to hike back down that day. I noticed they were wearing sneakers, and I said, you have water or a watch? They sheepishly said, no. And then I said, hike a bit more if you want, but give up hiking up there and back today. They had no clue what they were trying to do. JP, you probably cannot tell me this, but what if some pilgrim(s) get up there too late to return? How do you handle this situation?
Thanks! And you are a good writer, JP.

Comments are closed.

LeConte Lodge

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